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MSC Cruises announces second new cruise terminal at the PortMiami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 July 2018 11 July 2018

MSC Cruises and Miami-Dade county announced the signing of an agreement for extended preferential berthing rights as well as of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of a new Cruise Terminal AAA at PortMiami.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, commented: “The new agreement and expanded partnership with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County is another key step forward in the business growth of MSC Cruises, as we continue to strengthen our global footprint, with a strategic focus on North America."

PortMiami is the company’s exclusive home-port in the U.S. The new agreement extends MSC Cruises’ existing Saturday preferential berthing rights also to Sundays. Additionally, the new terminal — which is projected to be completed by October 2022 — will be able to accommodate MSC Cruises’ next-generation, still under construction MSC World Class cruise ships carrying up to 7,000 guests.

Currently the revolutionary MSC Seaside, which debuted only a few months ago in late 2017, sails year around from Miami to the Caribbean from the recently completed Terminal F. MSC Divina also sails seasonally to the Caribbean from October through March, and MSC Armonia will join MSC Cruises’ North American-based fleet beginning year-round cruises to Havana, Cuba in December 2018. In addition, as of November 2019, MSC Meraviglia, the company’s largest ship at 171,598 gross tons with the capacity to carry 5,714 cruise guests (4,488 at double occupancy), will join the other three ships at PortMiami.

“PortMiami is committed to providing a world-class experience to its guests and thanks to a long-standing collaborative relationship with Miami-Dade County we are thrilled that in less than 18 months MSC Cruises will have four ships sailing from the Port,” said Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA. “This will also allow us to make a significant additional contribution to the economy of Miami and the county in its role as the Capital of the Cruise World, especially thanks to the large percentage of international guests traveling to Miami and South Florida to embark and disembark from MSC Cruises ships calling PortMiami. We now look forward to further extending our partnership with the Port and working closely on the development of the new cruise terminal AAA.”

"In 2017, MSC Cruises worked with PortMiami on the completion of Terminal F, home to MSC Seaside, the first MSC Cruises ship to be built specifically for North American market and the Caribbean,” said Roberto Fusaro, President of MSC Cruises USA. “The construction of another cruise terminal is further testament of our commitment to U.S. travel partners and their guests, as it will allow us to continue to enhance our service, starting right from embarkation.”

“Investing in PortMiami's infrastructure positions Miami-Dade County as a global destination for visitors," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "The construction of a new cruise terminal AAA with the capacity to berth an additional 7,000-passenger cruise ship represents thousands of jobs and increased opportunities for our community. We are grateful for MSC Cruises continued partnership.”

"We are proud and extremely honored by MSC's commitment to PortMiami and Miami-Dade County,” said Chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Economic Development and Tourism Committee Rebeca Sosa. “MSC’s continued partnership is a big win for the growth and expansion of tourism in Miami-Dade County.”

Rolls-Royce signs agreement to sell Commercial Marine business to Kongsberg

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 06 July 2018 06 July 2018

Rolls-Royce announced today that it has signed an agreement to sell its Commercial Marine business, to Kongsberg, for an enterprise value of £500m and net proceeds of around £350m to £400m.

Kongsberg, headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, is an international, knowledge-based group delivering high technology systems and solutions to clients within the oil and gas industry, merchant marine, defence and aerospace sectors. Kongsberg is represented in more than 25 countries with approximately 7,000 employees and has a turnover of NOK 14.5bn (2017). In the maritime industry, the companies are complementary in their products, solutions and competence.

The move follows a strategic review by Rolls-Royce of its Commercial Marine operations announced in January 2018. The sale includes propulsion, deck machinery, automation and control, a service network spanning more than 30 countries and ship design capability, which to date has seen around 1,000 ships of Rolls-Royce design delivered to offshore, cargo, passenger and fishing vessel customers worldwide. Rolls-Royce’s Ship Intelligence activities, which have seen the rapid development of technologies to enable remote and autonomous operation of commercial vessels, are also included.

Kongsberg will, through a trading arrangement, continue to have access to products from Bergen Engines, which remains part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. The Bergen engine range of both diesel and gas medium-speed engines is a key component that will enable Kongsberg to be a leader in the continued development of integrated ship systems. Kongsberg will also be an important partner and supplier to Rolls-Royce’s Defence business for the supply of Commercial Marine products used on Naval vessels.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems will continue to supply MTU engines to a range of customers in the marine market including operators of commercial vessels and yachts. The Naval gas turbine propulsion activities will continue to be a core part of Rolls-Royce Defence.

Commercial Marine has approximately 3,600 employees, with the majority based in the Nordic region. In 2017 the Commercial Marine business generated revenue of £817m with an operating loss of £70m reflected in the Group’s financial results. After taking into account various central cost recharges included in this reported figure, the disposal is expected to have had around a £50m positive profit impact based on 2017 pro forma figures. These figures were consolidated within the results of Rolls-Royce Marine.

Warren East, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, said: “This transaction builds on the actions we have taken over the last two years to simplify our business. The sale of our Commercial Marine business will enable us to focus on our three core businesses and on meeting the vital power needs of our customers.”

Geir Håøy, Chief Executive and President of Kongsberg, said: “The acquisition of Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine makes us a more complete supplier to the maritime industry. The maritime industry is becoming increasingly globalised and is undergoing considerable technological and market driven changes. With this acquisition we will strengthen our strategic position with shipowners, shipyards and other customers and partners.”

Mikael Makinen, Rolls-Royce President, Commercial Marine added: “Today marks the start of a new horizon for our Commercial Marine business. This deal comes at a time when the maritime industry is at the dawn of a new and exciting era where digital and electrical technologies will transform shipping.

Rolls-Royce has been responsible for leading many of those technological advancements, and with combination of great people, market-leading technology and a desire by Kongsberg to take this business to the next level, I am sure that this business will prosper in the years to come.

“We will now work closely with Kongsberg as we go through the transition in the months ahead. I would like to pay tribute to the 3,600 Commercial Marine employees who have maintained absolute focus on their day jobs, winning business and maintaining the levels of support our customers expect.”

The transaction has been approved by the boards of both Rolls-Royce and Kongsberg and is expected to close in Q1 2019, subject to clearance from the regulatory authorities.

The disposal enterprise value is £500m. After taking into consideration pension liabilities and provisions, separation costs, advisor fees and working capital, net proceeds of £350m to £400m are expected. Net proceeds will be dependent upon final outturn working capital at completion.

The proceeds will be used to improve the resilience of the Rolls-Royce balance sheet and provide additional capital to judiciously pursue opportunities that will drive greater returns for the Group. Full year 2018 guidance for revenue, profit and free cash flow provided by Rolls-Royce on 7 March 2018 included Commercial Marine.

Vard wins contract for third Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten expedition ship

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 03 July 2018 03 July 2018

Vard Holdings Limited the Norwegian designer and builder of specialised vessels controlled by Fincantieri, said it has secured a contract for the design and construction of a luxury expedition cruise vessel for German cruise company Hapag-Lloyd Kreutzfahrten, which is part of the TUI AG group.

The vessel will join Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Hanseatic series, together with the two vessels that Vard already has under construction for the Germany-based cruise company. Developed by Vard in close cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten, the vessels are specially designed for cruises in polar regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as operations in warm water destinations such as the Amazon.

The new vessel will be approximately 16,000 gross tons, about 139 metres long and 22 metres wide. The vessel has seven passenger decks, with accommodation for 230 passengers in 120 cabins and suites. Similar to its sister vessels, the new vessel will be equipped with high standard of facilities. The Hanseatic series features a water sports marina and modern spa and fitness areas. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled from Vard Langsten in Norway in 2Q 2021. The hull will be built by Vard’ shipyard in Romania.

Phoenix Reisen buys Prinsendam from Holland America Line

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 03 July 2018 03 July 2018

Phoenix Reisen, the German deep sea and river cruise operator, has acquired the 37,983 gross ton Prinsendam from Holland America Line, which is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc group.

“Prinsendam's itineraries from July 1, 2019, onward are scheduled to be assimilated by Rotterdam, Volendam and Veendam. Holland America Line is reaching out to booked guests and their travel professionals to re-accommodate guests on these cruises,” the company said in a statement.

Built in 1988 as Royal Viking Sun for the now defunct Royal Viking Line, the 835 passenger capacity ships is the oldest ship in the Carnival group fleet and the smallest one in that of Holland America Line.

Its sale comes soon after P&O Cruises, another Carnival group member, had unveiled decision to withdraw the 1995 built Oriana of 69,840 gross tons next year, plus the sale of P&O Cruises Australia’s 1992 built Pacific Eden to Cruise & Maritime Voyages in the UK, who will rename it Vasco da Gama. The new name of Prinsendam has not been disclosed. Phoenix had been reported in some media reports to be looking for newbuildings.

Seabourn signs contract for two 23,000 gross tons expedition ships with Mariotti Damen

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 02 July 2018 02 July 2018

Seabourn Cruise Line, the luxury market unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, said it has signed a Letter of Intent for the construction of two ultra-luxury expedition ships with a new partnership between shipbuilders T.Mariotti and Damen, who will collaborate on the construction of the vessels under a common name Mariotti Damen Cruise.

The first delivery is expected in June 2021 and the second ship is anticipated in May 2022. The 170 metre, 23,000 gross ton vessels will add new capacity for Seabourn in Antarctica, the Arctic, and other exotic destinations around the world while meeting PC6 Polar Class standards. Each will feature 132 oceanfront veranda suites, which will be home for up to 264 guests.

"This is a groundbreaking moment for Seabourn and for luxury travelers, who will now find a new standard of authentic yet luxurious expedition adventures in new and amazing destinations few people will ever see," said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. "The combination of immersive experience, fine accommodations, and sumptuous amenities offered by these new ships builds on the success of our current product lineup and further demonstrates our leadership as innovators as we continue offering the finest ultra-luxury cruises available."

A new and exciting offering will be two submarines carried onboard, providing an unforgettable view of the world beneath the ocean's surface. The ships will also be designed to carry a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiac inflatable boats, which have operated as a part of the highly successful Ventures by Seabourn program offered in select destinations around the world, Sebourn said in a statement.

Meanwhile, T. Mariotti, leading Italian luxury cruise shipbuilding company, and Damen Shipyards Group of the Nerherlands said in a separate statement they have formed a partnership to build cruise vessels. T. Mariotti, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, has a long-standing reputation within the cruise industry.

Damen, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017, operates in different sectors across the maritime industry and has recently announced its intention to move into the cruise market. The partnership between the two companies is a complementary fusion of expertise and facilities that will focus on the construction of cruise vessels.

This partnership will operate under a new common brand, Mariotti Damen Cruise. As the two companies made their announcement, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn made public the signature of a letter of intent for two ultra-luxury expedition vessels with the newly-formed partnership.

Mariotti Managing Director Marco Ghiglione said: “We are very pleased to work together with Damen on the construction of newbuild cruise vessels as both Mariotti and Damen share a common vision of the future of the cruise industry. This long-term partnership will offer our current and prospective clients access to a comprehensive suite of shipbuilding services and capabilities in terms of high quality, sustainable vessels demanded by the cruise industry of tomorrow.”